We: A Journey I Will Never Forget

Two years down a road I never thought I would travel, looking back, this has to be one of the best decisions I've ever made. Two years ago, I started working with a special dog. At first, we had trouble staying in sync. We had trouble trying to make time. We had trouble trying to stay focused. We were scared of the judge. We couldn't find out weave entries. We didn't always like to take the jumps.

Now I say "we" because Nikki and I are a team. All of our successes, all of our failures, we share. All of the issues we've overcome are a combined effort, this is a journey we take together. I've come to find many people in this sport, to whom the dog is not an equal. When something goes wrong, it's the dog's fault. When something goes right, it's the handler/trainer's success alone. I'm so proud to say that on our journey together Nikki and I really have become a team, if nothing else comes from our time together our bond will be something I will always cherish. All the lessons we've learned, and with so many ups and downs along the way, every moment has been truly worth it. There was once a time when Nikki didn't enjoy the game, I'm so very happy to say that now I can see her having as much fun as I am. Her eyes light up when we run and she is excited to go in the ring with me. We are now half way to a PACH. We are *almost* qualified for AKC 2014 Nationals. We have perfect weekends. We stay focused on course. We take all the jumps, sometimes extra for fun. 

We love the game.

Thank you so much Nikki, for letting me be part of this team, it has challenged me in so many ways, and you have made me a better person.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EAr_shmBoj8&feature=youtu.be